Tilting health table

ABSTRACT

A tiltable health table apparatus having a table which is rotatively mounted on a framework, with the table being connected to the framework at a point on the table which will produce an axis of rotation extending across the width of the table. The table has means for adjustably positioning an individual on the table surface, means for adjustably positioning the table and individual in a perpendicular direction from the plane of the table to the pivotal axis, and means for automatically supporting the ankles of an individual when said individual&#39;&#39;s feet are raised above his head.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Joseph D. Stites Sarasota, Fla. [21]Appl. No. 811,157 [22] Filed Mar. 27, 1969 [45] Patented Mar. 9, 1971[73] Assignee Physicare Inc. Sarasota, Fla.

[54] TILTING HEALTH TABLE 4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl. 128/71, 128/24, 269/323 [51] Int. Cl A6lt'5/00 [50] FieldofSearch 128/71, 73, 75, 84, 24, 68, 70; 272/58, 33; 269/322, 323, 328

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,693,810 12/1928 Daniels etal. 128/70 1,915,841 6/1933 Warner 128/71 2,283,475 5/1942 Wagner 128/242,932,038 4/1960 Sprague 5/62 3,060,925 10/1962 Honsaker et al 128/253,152,802 10/1964 Heisler et a1 272/33 3,286,708 11/1966 Gartner 128/243,388,700 6/1968 Mountz 128/71X 3,434,165 3/1969 Keane 128/71X FOREIGNPATENTS 1,184,231 7/1959 France 128/71 888,745 7/1949 Germany 128/70Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant Exdminen-J. YaskoAttorney-Cushman, Darby and Cushman ABSTRACT: A tiltable health tableapparatus having a table which is rotatively mounted on a framework,with the table being connected to the framework at a point on the tablewhich will produce an axis of rotation extending across the width of thetable. The table has means for adjustably posi- PATENTEUMAR 9197: 358559 sum 1 or 3 INVENTOR 40 fist/ x1 253775:

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sum 3 or a INVENTOR 35 u osf flfib r/rfs K62 4Z /QZM 70 ATTORNEYSTHLTHNG HEALTH TABLE The present invention relates to a tiltable healthtable apparatus such as a balancing table or posture board and moreparticularly, to a tiltable which which can be adjusted for balance tocompensate for individual weight distribution and height variation. Whenthe height and weight of an individual are adjusted, the center ofgravity of the body and table coincide with the axis of rotation of thetable thus enabling the table to be easily tilted. An individual caninvert or change his position by changing his center of gravity withrespect to the table by a slight movement of his hands such as liftinghis arms above his head. When this is done the table can be tilted oneway or another with the individual assuming the position of standing,lying horizontal or hanging inverted. in the primary use of the table anindividuals body is turned upside-down or inverted with the individualbeing supported by automatically adjusting feet or ankle supports.

Previous posture or health tables have been difficult to adjust becauseeach individual differs as to his or her height and weight. Thisinvention provides means for easily adjusting the table to compensatefor the variable height and weight features of an individual so that thetilting health table could be used in a physician s office, in the homeor in a health or physical exercise room.

The invention enables an individual to vertically incline his body in aninverse position so that normal gravitational pull is reversed, causingan effect on the bone structure, spinal column, muscles,.internalorgans, and body fluids. The apparatus permits the body to hang freevertically, supported only by the ankles, so that the force of gravitypulls the body down with an equal tension stress in each leg enablingthe spine to be stretched in a straight line. In addition to stimulatingthe circulatory system of the individual and stretching the spinalcolumn, many physical and therapeutic benefits are received in the useof this invention.

The apparatus is economical to manufacture and is easily folded, stored,disassembled, or shipped as the individual owner or operator desires.The apparatus i s rugged and sturdy in construction, but at the sametime, contains parts which may be readily fabricated or replaced ifneeded. If desired, the apparatus can be locked in varying positions toincrease its safety during use.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear moreclearly from the following specifications in connection with theaccompanying drawings in which:

H6. 1 is a perspective side view of the apparatus as the operatorpositions himself onto the table;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the apparatus as shown in FlG. lwith the table of the apparatus and operator being in a horizontalposition;

H6. 3 represents a fragmentary side view of the apparatus showing theheight adjustment mechanism;

Fit}. 4 represents a partial front view of the apparatus show ing theautomatic ankle adjusting mechanism;

FIG. 5 represents a partial side view of the apparatus showing the tableand pivot axis connection and weight adjustment mechanism;

HG. 6 shows a partial view of the apparatus disclosing a perspectiveside view of the automatic ankle adjusting mechanism; and

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the automatic ankle adjusting mechanismshown in FIGS. 4 and 6.

The novel apparatus disclosed is preferably formed of metal such asaluminum, or aluminum alloys which possess strength in a thin section toresist ordinary stresses. This type of structure is furthercharacterized by a lightness in weight without loss of strength and canbe fastened in a strong and permanent union. However, it is recognizedthat steel, alloy metals, or plastics may be used to good advantage andmay be used in whole or in part in the novel structure.

H65. 1 and 2 show the preferred form of the assembled tilting healthtable apparatus in which the basic support framework comprises twointerconnected A-type frames. As shown by MG. 2 an A-type frame has legs2 and 4 which are spaced and braced by support brace 8. The legs aretubular in shape with a preferred rectangular cross section. However,the cross section can be circular, triangular, or multiangular,depending upon the process desired to manufacture the legs or the shapedesired by the user. Legs 2 and 4 meet at the apex of the A-frame wherethey are connected with axle leg rack assembly 3. At the lower ends ofthe legs 2 and d are tips 6 which work as antislip elements preventingthe slippage of the legs and marking or marring of floors or rugs.

As shown in HQ. 2, support braces 8 run between legs 2 and 4 forming thebar of the A. Support braces 8 are tubular elements having a preferredrectangular cross section and are secured to legs 2 and 4. The supportbraces 8 are secured by fasteners 9 to the legs 2 and 4. The fasteners 9can be a bracket device or an eye screw threaded or fastened to supportbrace 8. If desired, the support braces 8 can be welded to the legs orsecured to the legs by bolts, screws, adhesives, or other suitablemeans. Legs 2 of the respective A-type frames are joined together by aplurality of cross braces 12 which connect and support the respectivelegs of the A-type frames. A plurality of cross braces 1?: connect andbrace support braces 8 of the A-type frames allowing for greaterstability of the apparatus and thus increasing the safety of theapparatus. Another cross brace 14 connects and supports legs 4 of therespective A-type frames. If desired, a plurality of cross braces 14 canbe utilized. The braces may be secured to the legs in any manner. Theycan be welded, adhesively connected, screwed or bolted as is desired. Aplurality of circular-shaped hand rails 10 are provided, with one handrail 10 being attached to each of the A-type frames. One end of handrail 10 contacts leg 2, where it is secured to leg 2 by a fasteningdevice 11. The other end of the hand rail is secured to axle leg rackassembly 3. Fastening device 11 is a bracket which fits around leg 2 andis secured to the hand rail It) by suitable means. The hand rails are soplaced that they extend forwardly and downwardly with respect to legs 2so that they are within reach of the hands of the operator, so that hecan pull himself back to a horizontal or normal position by a merepressure placed upon the rails. The use of the hand rails 10 to pull theoperator back up is optional as the individual can right himself bychanging the center of gravity and causing the table to tilt back to asubstantially vertical position.

In the axle leg rack assembly 3, the legs 2 and 4 are connected by athroughgoing bolt 7. The bolt 7 supports a rack 5 and also serves as theaxis of rotation for table 1. To accommodate bolt 7 each leg can have athroughgoing hole in their tops or, as disclosed in the preferredembodiment, in their hollow head. The head may be formed integrally withthe leg, or mounted on top of the legs by screwing, bolting, forcefitting, welding, adhesives, or other suitable means. A carriage bolt 7or other similar bolt-type structure is then placed through the holes inthe heads of the legs maintaining the legs in an A-type frame position.A rack 5 is then fastened to the bolt 7, by welding, adhesive or othersuitable means. if desired the rack 5 may be integrally made with anaperture or eye in one end so that the bolt 7 can be placed through therack.

As shown by FIG. 5, the rack 5, is secured to bolt 7 in the axle legrack assembly 3 of the A-type frame, with the rack being in cooperationwith the weight adjustment mechanism 15. The weight adjustment mechanism15 is used to raise or lower the rotating axis of the table 1 by movingthe table to adjust for the varying weights of individuals using thetable. The movement of the table will be in a direction perpendicular tothe plane of the table. The weight adjustment mechanism 15 comprises abracket l6 secured to table I, a rotatable spur gear lb rotatablysecured on bracket 16, and means to turn the gear 18. A rack 5 isinserted through a guide or sleeve in bracket 16 where the rack iscontacted by spur gear R8. The rack is correctly installed in the guideor sleeve of the bracket llb when the teeth of the spur gear l5 meshwith the teeth of rack 5. The turning of the spur gear moves table 1nearer or farther away from the axis of rotation, depending upon thedirection the gear is turned. The gear l8 can be rotated by physicallyturning a gear crank shaft assembly 17 or other suitable turning means.A locking thumb screw 20 is also provided to screw through an aperturein bracket 16 into rack so that the weight adjusting mechanism is lockedin place. The bracket can be provided with a tape measure 22 which issecured to bracket 16 or, the rack 5 may be provided with a similar tapemeasure so that a persons weight with relation to the tables center ofgravity can be recorded for future use by a given number. Thereafter,the tilting health table can be preset so that when the individual comesinto the room for exercise or therapy, no adjustments are necessary.

The parts of axle leg rack assemblies 3 and weight adjustment mechanismsare preferably made of steel because the parts encounter high stressrelationships. However, other suitable materials having comparablestrength and stress characteristics can be used.

The table 1 is constructed of rectangular tubing, in two sections, withthe sections being hinged together. The sections are fastened togetherby the use of a locking thumb screw or, the table can be of single piececonstruction. The table 1 can be made either solid or hollow; ofaluminum, steel, plastic, wood, nylon, plexiglass or other suitablesubstances. The top of the table is preferably covered with foam rubberor a cushioning material with the table and cushioning material beingcovered by leather, fiber, synthetic material or other suitablesubstances.

A table adjustment for an individuals height can be made while theperson is on the table or off the table by means of a height adjustmentmechanism 19. The height adjustment mechanism is a sprocket and chainarrangement which moves a foot support 70 longitudinally on table 1.This is done simply by rotating a hand wheel 24 which is connected toand turns a sprocket driving the chain arrangement which pulls foot support 70. The hand wheel 24 has a circumferential handle grip preferablymade of rubber although any suitable material may be used. The body ofthe wheel has a plurality of equally spaced apertures therethrough sothat a locking thumb screw 21 can be used to lock the height adjustmentmechanism 19 to the table in the desired adjustment. The turning of handwheel 24 rotates sprocket 23 which pulls a link chain or other suitablechain 26. The pulling action of chain 26 turns a second sprocket 25located at the base of the table. Sprockets 23 and 25 are rotatablyfastened to brackets which are fastened to the sides of the table. Ifdesired, the sprockets can be rotatably fastened to the sides of thetable with a suitable guard being placed around the sprockets and chainassembly. The ends of the chain are fastened to a plurality ofadjustable eye screws 28 which are secured to foot base projection 27, aprojection of foot support 70, which projects perpendicularly from theplane of table 1. If desired, the ends of the chain can be fastened to aturnbuckle secured to foot base projection 27. The chain 26 may betightened or loosened by turning the adjustable eye screws 28 so thateasy maintenance of the chain can be affected. Foot support brackets canbe used to support and strengthen the foot support 70. Once the desiredadjustment has been reached, a locking thumb screw 21 can be placed inone of the spaced apertures in the hand wheel 24 to lock it in place;causing the foot support 70 to be locked into a desired position. Forthe convenience of the operator using the apparatus, a measuring tape 32is fastened along the side of the table 1 or on the top of the table sothat the height relationship of the person can quickly be determined andthe apparatus can be preset before the person mounts the table. Themeasuring tape 32 can be placed in a tape guard secured to the side ofthe table or placed directly on top of the table. In this way a personcan always have a set height number so that the apparatus can be presetfor an individuals height center of gravity for the table.

Attached to the foot support '70 is an automatically adjustable anklesupport holding mechanism 31. The ankle support holding mechanismcomprises a plurality of arcuate ankle clamps 34 and 36 which arecontour shaped to fit an individual's ankles. A pair of clampsconsisting of a rear ankle clamp 34 and a front ankle clamp 36 form oneankle support. The plurality of ankle clamps are adjusted spaceably, byusing a handle 38 to turn an adjusting screw 41. The handle 38 issecured to adjusting screw 41. By turning the handle 38 and thereforethe steel adjusting screw 41, one can separate or tighten the rear ankleclamps 34, without affecting elastic bands or springs 42 which aresecured to a rear spring bracket 52 and front spring bracket 46. Thefoot support comprises foot pressure base 44 which is hingedly connectedto foot base 30. Secured to and extending upward from pressure base 44is extension base 45 which contacts spring adjuster 48. The pressurebase extension 45 has a plurality of apertures in its body. The springadjuster 48 is operated by turning a wing nut or other tighteningmechanism 50. The tightening mechanism 50 is mounted on a threaded shaft49 after one end of the shaft has been inserted through an aperture inpressure base extension 45. The other end of shaft 49 is fixedly securedto front spring bracket 46. By turning the tightening mechanism 50 onthreaded shaft 49, one can increase or decrease the elastic band withoutchanging the position of the rear ankle clamp 34. The front springbracket 46 has elastic bands or springs 42 secured to it with the otherends of the bands or springs being secured to a rear spring bracket 52.The tension of the elastic bands or springs on rear spring bracket 52places pressure on the foot base 30 causing the foot base 30 and thepressure foot base 44 to be forced together so that the rear ankle clamp34 which is fitted onto the foot base 30 by a foot bracket 54 comesforward and snugly secures the rear section of the ankle. The frontankle clamp 36 is forced backward and snugly secures the front sectionof the ankle and instepof the foot. The ankle clamps 34 and 36 arecontoured to fit the ankle in the back and the instep in the front. Eachankle clamp is pivoted on its respective bracket by bolt 56, whichloosely holds the ankle clamp in position so that it can rock back andforth. This rocking movement allows the ankle clamps to change positionand fit the contours of the foot. The ankle clamps can be opened bypushing the front of the foot or the shoe on the foot pressure base 44and forcing the foot pressure base forward so that the springs orelastic bands 42 are extended. The foot pressure base 44 can movebecause it is hingedly connected at 58 to the foot base 30. The hinge 58can be a standard hinge as shown in FIG. 6 or it may be a butt hingebent so that there is clearance in the closed position. lf desired aspring strip bolt or spring means may be used to limit the distance thepressure foot base 44 can travel. The hinge ends can be bolted orscrewed to the respective foot base 30 and pressure foot base 4. Ifdesired, the hinge ends can be welded, riveted or adhesively attached tothe foot base 30 and pressure foot base 44. In extracting the feet fromthe automatically adjustable ankle support holding mechanism 31, one legis extracted from the ankle clamps 34 and 36 after pressure is placed onfoot pressure base 44. The free leg is then placed on the foot pressurebase 44 and pressure is again applied which parts the ankle clamps andenables the other leg to be extracted from the ankle clamps. The footpressure is then released and the ankle clamps 34 and 36 are pulled bythe spring or elastic band contract back into normal positions.

The ankles size adjustment operates in the following manner. A steeladjusting screw 41 is threaded through apertures in a U-shaped bracket40 into an aperture in front ankle clamp bracket 60 so that the frontankle bracket can rotate on the adjusting screw 41. The adjusting screw41 is rotatably secured on one end of U-shaped bracket 40. The frontankle clamps 36 are free to move in two places which are at right anglesto each other thus enabling the clamps to automatically shift to produceequal pressure at all contact points on the ankles and feet. This willcompensate for one leg being at least one inch different in length thanthe other leg. The front foot clamp bracket 60 can also rotate on itsown axis in the bearing at spacer 62 and will therefore compensate forone ankle being at least two inches larger in circumference than theother. The contoured ankle clamps are pivoted at their support points 56which are so placed that the clamps will automatically adjust toaccommodate-the shape of the ankle and foot.

Although the-present invention has been described and illustrated inconnection" with various embodiments it is to be understood thatmodifications and variations may be resorted to without departing fromthe spirit of the invention as those skilled in this art will readilyunderstand. Such modifications and variations are considered to bewithin the purview and scope of the present invention as defined by theappended claims.

Iclaim: y,

l. A tilting health table apparatus comprising in combination aframework, said framework being provided with means for rotatablymounting a table thereomsaid table being connected to said framework ata point on said table which will produce an axis of rotation extendingacross the width of said table, means for adjustably moving said tablein a direction perpendicular to the plane of said table, a foot supportmounted on said table, means for adjustably positioning said footsupport in a longitudinal direction, said foot support havingautomatically adjusting ankle holding means for supporting the ankles ofan individual on said table, and said automatically adjustable ankleholding means comprising a plurality of ankle clamp's, means to connectsaid ankle clamps to said foot support, an extension secured to saidfoot support and extending from said foot support, a spring adjustmentmeans adjustably mounted to said extension, a bracket secured to saidfoot support, elastic means connecting said spring adjustment means andsaid bracket, and means to spaceably adjust said ankle clamps.

2. The tilting health table apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidspring adjustment means comprises a spring bracket, a threaded shaft,one end of said threaded shaft secured to said spring bracket, the otherend of said threaded shaft extending through as aperture in saidextension and a nut mounted on said other end of said threaded shaft.

3. The tilting health table apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidankle clamp spacing means comprises a front ankle clamp, said ankleclamp being mounted on a clamp bracket, said clamp bracket having anaperture thereon, an adjusting screw, said adjusting screw extendingthrough an aperture in said clamp bracket, and a handle connected tosaid adjusting screw.

4. A tilting health table apparatus comprising in combination aframework, a table having means for rotatably connecting said table tosaid framework, said framework and said table being connected at a pointon said table which will produce an axis of rotation extending acrossthe width of said table, an automatically adjustable ankle holding meansfor supporting the ankles of an individual on said table comprising aplurality of ankle clamps, means to connect said ankle clamps to a footsupport, an extension secured to said foot support and extending fromsaid foot support, a spring adjustment means adjustably mounted to saidextension, a bracket secured to said foot support, elastic meansconnecting said spring adjustment means and said bracket, and means tospaceably adjust said ankle clamps.

1. A tilting health table apparatus comprising in combination aframework, said framework being provided with means for rotatablymounting a table thereon, said table being connected to said frameworkat a point on said table which will produce an axis of rotationextending across the width of said table, means for adjustably movingsaid table in a direction perpendicular to the plane of said table, afoot support mounted on said table, means for adjustably positioningsaid foot support in a longitudinal direction, said foot support havingautomatically adjusting ankle holding means for supporting the ankles ofan individual on said table, and said automatically adjustable ankleholDing means comprising a plurality of ankle clamps, means to connectsaid ankle clamps to said foot support, an extension secured to saidfoot support and extending from said foot support, a spring adjustmentmeans adjustably mounted to said extension, a bracket secured to saidfoot support, elastic means connecting said spring adjustment means andsaid bracket, and means to spaceably adjust said ankle clamps.
 2. Thetilting health table apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said springadjustment means comprises a spring bracket, a threaded shaft, one endof said threaded shaft secured to said spring bracket, the other end ofsaid threaded shaft extending through as aperture in said extension anda nut mounted on said other end of said threaded shaft.
 3. The tiltinghealth table apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said ankle clampspacing means comprises a front ankle clamp, said ankle clamp beingmounted on a clamp bracket, said clamp bracket having an aperturethereon, an adjusting screw, said adjusting screw extending through anaperture in said clamp bracket, and a handle connected to said adjustingscrew.
 4. A tilting health table apparatus comprising in combination aframework, a table having means for rotatably connecting said table tosaid framework, said framework and said table being connected at a pointon said table which will produce an axis of rotation extending acrossthe width of said table, an automatically adjustable ankle holding meansfor supporting the ankles of an individual on said table comprising aplurality of ankle clamps, means to connect said ankle clamps to a footsupport, an extension secured to said foot support and extending fromsaid foot support, a spring adjustment means adjustably mounted to saidextension, a bracket secured to said foot support, elastic meansconnecting said spring adjustment means and said bracket, and means tospaceably adjust said ankle clamps.